Research Skills

1. Inquiry is a Process

Research is not linear. You will ask questions, find information, reflect and then ask better questions. Your understanding will evolve as you read and think.

Good researchers:

• let their ideas grow as they learn more

• notice how their understanding shifts

• recognise when assumptions need revisiting

• use their RRS to capture new thinking and decisions

This is normal. Good researchers let their thinking evolve.

2. Read with Purpose

You do not need to read everything in full.

Skim to see if a source is useful

• check headings

• read the abstract

• look at the introduction and conclusion

Scan for what links directly to your Research Question

• key terms

• case studies

• definitions

• data

• arguments

Deep read only the sections that truly matter.

Once you have read your sources, visit the Literature Review page to see how to summarise and position them in relation to your Research Question.

3. Judge the Quality of What You Find

Ask yourself:

• Is the author an expert?

• Is the information supported with evidence?

• Is it analytical or just descriptive?

• What perspective or bias is present?

• How does this help me answer my Research Question?

Good research is selective, not random.

To learn how to compare the value of different sources, visit the Literature Review page.

To learn how to use this evaluation in your argument, visit the Critical Writing page.

4. Make Clear, Ethical Notes

Keep your notes organised so you avoid accidental plagiarism.

Include:

• key ideas in your own words

• useful quotations (with page numbers)

• your thoughts on how this helps your argument

• strengths and limitations of the source

Always note full reference details immediately.

Your notes will form the base of your literature review. Visit the Literature Review page to learn how to organise and compare your sources, and the Referencing Tools page to ensure you record your citation details accurately from the start.

5. Use Your RRS/Planning Document Well

Your Researcher’s Reflection Space or Planning Document is where you capture your thinking.

Use it to:

• record new questions

• note changes in your understanding

• sketch early structure ideas

• explain decisions you make

• reflect on challenges

• save mind maps or diagrams

Good RRS entries make your final reflection much easier.

My students will be using a planning document shared with them for all work; you'll find a copy on the resources page.

Your RRS entries will support your final reflective statement. Visit the Reflection Guidance page to see how to use your notes effectively.

6. Build Your Own Understanding

As you read, look for:

• patterns

• contradictions

• gaps

• debates

• ideas that keep reappearing

This is how you move from collecting information to understanding it.

If you notice gaps or unanswered questions, return to the Literature Search page for strategies to refine or expand your searching.

7. Turn Understanding into Argument

The final step is shaping your understanding into a clear, focused argument that answers your Research Question.

Think about:

• what the evidence supports

• how different perspectives relate

• what uncertainties matter

• what your strongest interpretation is

This is what examiners look for in Criteria C and D.

When you are ready to turn your understanding into analysis and argument, visit the Critical Writing page.